The Babe Is Born in Bethlehem

For Christmas

Words and Music: Puer natus in Bethlehem, a 14^th Century Latin Hymn
See Puer natus in Bethlehem from Dreves, with notes.

Music: Edgar Pettman

Source: Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 21, p. 28.

1. The Babe is born in Bethlehem,
In humble form and low,
And angel choirs sing from on high
Their full and sweet Noel.
Gloria in excelsis, in excelsis Deo.

2. A Saviour! Echoes all around
That welcome, joyful word,
Let every sinner hail the sound,
A Saviour Christ the Lord.
Gloria in excelsis, in excelsis Deo.

3. He came now down in Lordly state
With worldly pomp and joy,
He came to conquer sin and death,
And Satan to destroy.
Gloria in excelsis, in excelsis Deo.

4. He came that we might rescued be
From every evil woe,
That we might learn to live in Him
And conquer every foe.
Gloria in excelsis, in excelsis Deo.

5. So let us make the welkin ring,
And echo back the sound,
A Saviour, Jesus Christ the Lord,
To Him therefore we sing.
Gloria in excelsis, in excelsis Deo.

6. Then let this happy morn be bright,
And free from all alloy,
For He, the Prince of heavenly peace,
Shall make us sing with joy.
Gloria in excelsis, in excelsis Deo.

Sheet Music from Edgar Pettman, ed., The Westminster Carol Book (London: Houghton & Co., 1899), Carol No. 21, p. 28.

Sheet Music from Edgar Pettman, ed., Modern Christmas Carols (London: Weekes & Co., 1892), #34:

Note from Pettman: No. XXXIV.—After making every effort, I have failed to discover the author of these original words. I trust, therefore, that if he or his relatives should chance to see this carol in my book they will communicate with me, and I will endeavour to make what amends will be required for my boldness.

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